Delta Quietly Made a Change to Its Bag Policy, and There's One Thing You Should Know

Delta Airlines just made a pretty big change on its rules for its 20-Minute Bag Guarantee.

In the past, SkyMiles Members whose bags didn't arrive at baggage claim in 20 minutes or less had three full days to request compensation. Now, that window has been shortened to just two hours.

The new timeframe was first spotted by The Points Guy, with a spokesperson for the airline telling the outlet that changes were made to “streamline” the claim process. Members with a valid claim are eligible to receive 2,500 miles as compensation.

“We’re committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That’s why we’re backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn’t arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles,” Delta's official website now reads, after quietly making the change.

What to Know About the Timeframe Change

SkyMiles Members are now told to fill out the claim form on the website “no later than two hours after your flight’s arrival,” with the site reiterating that passengers must be Members at the time of travel to be eligible.

“Requests for multiple flights must be submitted separately,” adds Delta, saying that it could take up to two weeks for bonus miles to appear in the SkyMiles Member's account after submitting.

The small print says the offer is only valid on domestic flights within the 50 United States and Puerto Rico, which must be marketed and operated by Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection carriers. A passenger's SkyMiles number must also be used in the reservation to be eligible.

“Time to baggage claim will be as measured by Delta’s baggage tracking system, where available,” adds the airline. “The time to baggage claim will be defined as time elapsed between the aircraft’s arrival at the gate and delivery of the bag to the baggage claim belt.”

Special items, oversized and overweight baggage are excluded from the guarantee.

The fine print also says that “Delta Air Lines reserves the right to suspend this baggage service guarantee at any time and without prior notice in the event of an airport baggage system malfunction, severe weather, or other conditions out of Delta's control that would prevent timely baggage delivery.”

The guarantee, it adds, can also be terminated at any time, without notice. Get the most up-to-date version of the airline's 20-Minute Bag Guarantee here.

How Does Delta's Policy Compare to Other Airlines?

Alaska Airlines has had a similar guarantee, with a similar timeline, since 2010. It also applies to Hawaiian Airlines flights.

According to their website, if bags aren't at the baggage claim within 20 minutes, passengers receive a $25 discount code for future Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines flight, or 2,500 Atmos Rewards points. Passengers are also asked to contact the baggage office within 2 hours of their flight's arrival to request compensation.

Most of the other airlines offer policies for lost, damaged or delayed luggage. Passengers are advised to check the official websites for each airline for the most up-to-date policies.